Ocean County launches 24/7 harm-reduction vending machine

Ocean County has launched its first 24/7 harm-reduction vending machine in Toms River to provide free and anonymous access to overdose prevention supplies. Located outside the Suburban Health Clinic at 10 Mule Road, the machine offers naloxone, syringes, safer smoking kits, wound care supplies, and test strips.

According to Cole Zaccaro, manager of Harm Reduction Services at the Prevention Resource Network, the initiative aims to prevent fatal overdoses and reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. The machine has distributed hundreds of supplies since its launch on July 20, addressing community needs for resources available outside of traditional outreach hours.